Service members and their families can use Space-A flights to travel around the country and world at little to no cost. Though sometimes unpredictable, military flights are perfect for families with flexible plans and limited travel budgets.
United honors America's veterans
To thank U.S. military veterans, active duty military, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families for their service, United is proud to provide Veterans Advantage® members with a 5% discount on tickets for United- and United Express®-operated flights purchased on united.com.
To make things a little easier on your pocketbook for stateside visits, the Defense Department does pay for flights home -- but they are through Space-A. Yes, that's unpredictable, but it is a paid-for flight.
En route travel is an entitlement that allows you to be compensated for personal and dependent travel. Reimbursement includes travel and transportation expenses for you and your dependents for one trip by way of the most direct route from the old to the new duty station.
U.S. military veterans and their families can save up to 10% on domestic and international flights by enrolling in VetRewards and booking through Veterans Advantage.
At Delta, we're delighted to serve those who serve and protect us. For active members of the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, we're proud to offer military benefits on travel. It's our way of saying thanks.
Active duty military personnel traveling on official orders or for pleasure are invited to check extra baggage free of charge (excluding military pet shipments). In some cases, military dependents will also be included.
Space-available flights, a.k.a “MAC flights” or “military hops,” are military operational flights that have extra seats. The military mission is the priority, and the Space-A passengers are essentially cargo. Eligible travelers may “hop” the flight (free of charge), but the system is based on priority.
You must present an acceptable ID, such as a valid passport, state-issued enhanced driver's license or U.S. military ID, to fly within the U.S. You will not be allowed to fly if your identity cannot be verified.
Soldiers and their loved ones are not charged money so that the Soldier can go on leave. Soldiers are not charged money for secure communications or leave.
There's nothing in an enlistment contract that says you have to leave the military if you come into a large sum of money, but there is a clause that allows for service members to request a discharge under "unique circumstances."
Verification of Military Service
Please use the Defense Manpower Data Center's (DMDC) Military Verification service to verify if someone is in the military. The website will tell you if the person is currently serving in the military. The site is available 24-hours a day.
In the 2020 version, travel only to Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, or Yemen was listed as “not authorized,” clearly a security precaution. Since the 2021 updates, however, relatively safe and stable US allies like the UAE and Israel are listed in the same way. The restrictions do not only affect visiting troops.
Can Military Members get Upgraded to First Class? Generally, there is no official policy about upgrading to first class. Most airlines don't have official policies on upgrading service members because they can't guarantee seats always will be available.
Delta Airlines Military Discount: Save 10%+ AND Free Bag Check.
There is no military spouse pay or stipend, but the military offers a number of benefits to help service members and their families. Your first stop after the wedding should be the nearest military ID card issuing facility to enroll in DEERS, the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System.
You are eligible for a No Fee (Official) Passport if:
Military personnel in special assignment situations. Family members traveling overseas on orders with spouse. Government Civilian Employees who are on TDY or accepting a position to a country which requires a passport.
In some cases, it's a social courtesy to show respect to the military.
Traveling to your basic training location usually involves a plane ride, but you can't simply buy a plane ticket and show up. You have to process first through your local Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), which will arrange (and pay for) your travel.
Immediate family members are allowed to travel on a MIL fare alone with proper identification. Southwest offers military discounts to active military personnel and their families.
If my active duty spouse shows his CAC, they usually grant him Priority access and I can slide in with him (otherwise, if I am flying without him, I get placed in the long line).